How Does the Michigan Foreclosure Redemption Period Work?
The sheriff's sale starts another clock. How long it runs — and what you can still do before it expires — is what the redemption period is all about.
This guide focuses only on the redemption period itself — what it means, how long it runs, and what happens when it ends. For the full decision framework, see our main Selling a House in Foreclosure in Michigan guide.
After many Michigan mortgage foreclosure sales, state law gives the mortgagor a limited period to redeem the property by paying the amount required by statute.
Six months is common, but Michigan law provides different periods in specified circumstances. The exact deadline should be confirmed from the sheriff's deed and applicable foreclosure records.
When Does the Redemption Period Start?
The redemption period begins on the date of the sheriff's sale — not when the sheriff's deed is later recorded.
That distinction matters. A homeowner should calculate nothing from a recording delay; use the sale date and the deadline stated in the foreclosure documents.
How Long Is the Redemption Period?
For many residential foreclosures, six months is the common period. Michigan law also provides a one-year period in specified circumstances, including certain cases based on the relationship between the amount claimed due and the original indebtedness, and certain agricultural property.
Abandonment can result in a much shorter redemption period. Because the statutory exceptions matter, do not assume a period based on a neighbor's foreclosure or a generic website.
Six months is common, but it isn't universal. Confirm your exact deadline from the sheriff's deed — not from what happened to a friend or a neighbor.
What Does It Cost to Redeem?
Redemption generally requires paying the entire amount bid at the sheriff's sale plus allowable interest and fees. It is not simply catching up the missed monthly mortgage payments.
The redemption amount should be obtained from the foreclosure purchaser, its representative, or the appropriate foreclosure records rather than estimated.
Where Do You Find the Exact Deadline and Amount?
The sheriff's deed is the starting point for the deadline. Michigan Legal Help directs homeowners to the county Register of Deeds for foreclosure-sale paperwork.
For the amount, obtain a current redemption figure because interest and permitted charges can change over time.
Can You Stay in the House During Redemption?
Generally, yes. The homeowner can ordinarily remain in the property during the redemption period.
That right comes with practical responsibilities. Maintaining the property, utilities, and insurance is important, and Michigan law gives the foreclosure purchaser inspection rights.
Inspection Rights During Redemption
The purchaser can inspect the property under Michigan law. Michigan Legal Help notes that interior inspections generally require advance notice and should occur at a reasonable time.
Unreasonably refusing inspection or allowing specified damage can create serious consequences, including proceedings that may terminate redemption rights early.
What Counts as Damage or Abandonment?
Michigan law is concerned with more than ordinary wear. Stripped plumbing or wiring, missing mechanical equipment, structural damage, serious exterior deterioration, and conditions creating safety or criminal-activity risks can become important.
Moving out also should not be treated casually. Abandonment can affect the redemption period, so a homeowner planning to leave before expiration should understand the legal consequences.
Not Sure What Your Redemption Deadline Is?
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Can You Sell During Redemption?
Potentially. A sale is not the same thing as redeeming with your own cash, but the transaction must address the foreclosure purchaser's interest and close before the redemption right expires.
The mechanics belong in the dedicated guide Can You Sell a House During the Redemption Period in Michigan?
Can You Refinance During Redemption?
In theory, financing could be used to obtain the money required to redeem, but practical eligibility can be difficult after a foreclosure sale. Any financing must be completed before the redemption deadline.
Be especially cautious of foreclosure-rescue financing or deed-transfer arrangements that are not fully understood.
What Happens If You Redeem?
When the legally required amount is paid within the redemption period, the foreclosure purchaser's interest is defeated and the foreclosure deed becomes inoperative as provided by law.
Because the transaction involves recorded real-estate interests, make sure the redemption is documented and recorded properly.
What Happens If You Do Not Redeem?
When the redemption period expires without redemption, the homeowner's rights in the property are generally extinguished and the foreclosure purchaser's title matures.
If the former homeowner remains in possession, the purchaser can pursue the applicable court process for possession.
Redemption isn't the only path forward — a completed voluntary sale before the deadline can accomplish the same goal of avoiding expiration, often with a better financial outcome.
Common Redemption-Period Mistakes
- Assuming everyone receives six months.
- Calculating the deadline from the deed's recording date instead of the sale date.
- Assuming "redeem" means paying only the missed payments.
- Ignoring inspection notices or property maintenance.
- Waiting until the last few days to obtain the redemption amount, investigate title, arrange financing, or attempt a sale.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) provides foreclosure information and access to HUD-certified housing counselors. Michigan Legal Help provides plain-language information about mortgage foreclosure, sheriff's sales, redemption, and eviction.
Michigan's foreclosure-by-advertisement statutes are in Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act. Use the actual foreclosure documents and county Register of Deeds records for property-specific dates and amounts.
Related Michigan Foreclosure Guides
- Selling a House in Foreclosure in Michigan (main guide)
- Michigan Foreclosure Timeline: How Long Does the Process Take?
- What Happens at a Sheriff's Sale in Michigan?
- Can You Sell a House During the Redemption Period in Michigan?
- What Happens to Your Equity After Foreclosure in Michigan?
- Can You Stop or Postpone a Foreclosure Sheriff's Sale in Michigan?
- How Does a Short Sale Work in Michigan?
- Tax Foreclosure vs. Mortgage Foreclosure in Michigan
- Reinstatement vs. Loan Modification vs. Short Sale in Michigan
Not Sure Where You Stand in Redemption?
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Six months is common, but Michigan statutes provide other periods in specified circumstances.
On the date of the sheriff's sale.
Generally the sheriff's-sale bid amount plus allowable interest and fees.
Not after the sheriff's sale if you are relying on statutory redemption; the required amount is generally based on the sale bid plus permitted additions.
Generally yes, while complying with property-maintenance and inspection requirements.
Yes. Michigan law gives the foreclosure purchaser inspection rights during redemption.
Abandonment and specified property-damage circumstances can create serious consequences, including potential early possession proceedings.
Potentially, if the foreclosure interest is addressed and the sale closes before expiration.
The former homeowner's rights are generally extinguished and the purchaser's title matures.
Final Thoughts
The redemption period is a genuine window, not a formality. Confirm your exact deadline and amount early, and use the time to decide between redeeming, selling, or letting it expire — rather than letting the calendar decide for you.
In Your Redemption Period? Let's Talk Through Your Options.
Dennis Buys Houses purchases Michigan properties in foreclosure as-is, before or during the redemption period. We'll explain how we evaluate the property, what our offer accounts for, and which closing costs we'd pay — and if another option is likely to leave you materially better off, we'll tell you that too.
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